There are a couple of touches of irony sprouting from the Dallas Arboretum’s announcement this morning.
In addition to today being Mary Brinegar’s birthday, it was just a year ago today that Mary announced her plans to retire from her position as president/CEO of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden.
So, after a yearlong search, the Arboretum Board of Directors revealed Mary’s successor today — Sabina Carr, who has served as the CEO of the San Antonio Botanical Garden for the past four years.
According to Arboretum Board Chair Will McDaniel, “After an international search of exceptional nonprofit and public garden leaders, the Dallas Arboretum is thrilled to welcome Sabina Carr as our new president and CEO. Sabina has an incredible track record of growth and innovation – skills that will benefit the Dallas Arboretum as we build on our legacy of excellence.”
It was during her tenure in San Antonio that she managed to “more than double annual visits and organization membership by adding unique programming and championing community access. She finalized a successful $40 million capital campaign in spring 2021 that transformed the organization with stunning new gardens, facilities and amenities.”
And remember it was during that time that the world was thrown a global punch thanks to the pandemic.
In addition to serving as past president of the American Public Gardens Association, she was honored by the Garden Club of America with its prestigious Civic Club Improvement Commendation Award last year for “her innovative leadership.”
Prior to joining the San Antonio Garden, Sabina was VP of marketing for the Atlanta Botanical Garden for more than 15 years.
Despite working in San Antonio and Atlanta, Sabina is no newcomer to North Texas.
As she explained, “My family is from Dallas, and I have wonderful memories of spending summer here growing up. I’d always hoped my career would lead me back to this wonderful place.”
Oh, and there’s still another touch of irony to Sabina’s succeeding Mary. They’re both graduates of SMU. Hmm, perhaps Gerald Turner should consider creating a Arboretum Leadership degree.
Sabina officially takes over at the end of November.
* Photo provided by Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
The post JUST IN: Sabina Carr Returns To Dallas To Succeed Mary Brinegar As Arboretum President/CEO appeared first on My Sweet Charity.